Looking to plan a frugal wedding

[Krazy_Cruising_Mom]

Hi, I joined this forum in hopes that someone can answer some questions for me.

 

Is it possible to have a frugal ($500 or less)....but nice wedding ceremony on a cruise ship or off the ship on a beach somewhere?

 

Does anyone know if it's possible for a couple to get married a cruise ship without buying one of the wedding packages they offer? I really can't see paying the prices of their wedding packages when it would just be 5 people....including the bride & groom....and a 6 yr old child. Not to mention the bride isn't old enough to drink. So, no need for champagne.

 

How do you tell friends & family that you will be getting married on a cruise ship or tropical island. And that you would love to have them there but they have to pay for their own cruise? Did you send out wedding invitations or did you wait and send out wedding announcements....Letting friends & family know that you were married?

 

Right now were thinking of having a private wedding ceremony but waiting until we return to have a reception with friends & family.

 

***We would sail with Carnival Cruise Line.***

[LindsayE]

Hello and welcome. I'm sure someone will be able to give you some input

[OCMDBride05152010]

I've been invited to cruise weddings, and have always paid my own way. I would never expect someone to pay for my cruise. I'm not sure about the actual ceremony, but you could look into a little chapel or something at one of the ports of call. Or figure out the day and a public beach that allows it and hiring an officiant. Or have a friend who is going get ordained and perform the ceremony...I always like the personal touch of having a friend perform the ceremony. With such a small number of guests you should be able to work something out.

[OCMDBride05152010]

you could take a cruise that includes time in Key West and get married on the beach there... Key West Wedding Packages - Simple Beach Weddings and Wedding Cruises

[*Karla*]

FIrst off, Welcome to the Forum! I am not to familiar with the packages cruise ships offer, but I do know that you can have the wedding while in one of your ports of call. For example, there are several wedding planners in Jamaica that can plan a simple wedding on the beach (or your choice of location) for not too much money while you are in port. They will arrange for transportation and all ceremony/reception details.

 

I would suggest sending out wedding invites, you may have friends or family that want to come. On your invite, put your TA's info. That basically lets them know they will have to make their own arrangements. You can still have an AHR when you come back, but at least you gave people the opportunity to come.

 

Hope this helps a little! Good Luck

[jenniebey]

Welcome to the forum. You'll find lots of help here! Good luck.

[NewYorkie]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm not familiar with cruise ship pricing however, I know that if you are planning just a ceremony that I see resorts offering that service for that price. I believe most people would know they'd have to pay for their way. If you are still in doubt, send out invites with a quote per person, they will definitely get the picture then.

[nsbride2010]

I think it is rare that people can afford to pay everyone's way on a cruise or all-inclusive! You could definitely do it for around that, I would check out the sections on this site about cruise ship weddings and whatnot.

 

Happy planning!!

[ChelseaRose]

I also don't think you should assume the cost of everyone's cruise, think about how much that would cost!! I would extend an invitation to those who you'd want to share the special occasion with, but keep in mind that times are tough and if you send out invites, you should be respectful of those that won't be able to make the trip. If you want it to just be immediate family and a few close friends, host an AHR upon your return and send out invitations to the AHR when you leave for the cruise!

[vlynnw]

Congrats and welcome to the forum! I don't think most people expect for you to be paying for them and your wedding in the first place. Typically though when you send out STD's and invites you put a TA's contact information on there, that allows the guest to use that to book their own trip.